Buying a new mattress is something you need to do a few times in your life. Unfortunately, in most cases, you need a truck or some other large vehicle to transport it home due to the large size of even twin mattresses. Even if you opt for delivery, you still need to drag those cumbersome mattresses through your house to the bedroom you need it for. Luckily, many manufacturers have made this process much more comfortable, offering the best mattress in a box that you can buy. This smaller package is easier to maneuver around, making mattress buying a much simpler task.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress, there are a few features you should look for. One is the profile thickness, which can vary, depending on the manufacturer and the layers inside the mattress. The materials used are also important since they can affect the support, the breathability, and the durability as well. The firmness depends on your personal preference and the position you usually sleep in. You may also want to check out the sizes, especially if you want the same mattress for different beds. The warranty covers any issues with the mattress, saving you from unexpected replacement costs.
To help you decide which one is the best mattress in a box for you, we searched numerous manufacturer’s sites, checked out all the product features, and read hundreds of customer reviews to pick the 10 best options with the Helix Midnight Mattress as our Editor’s Choice. Then we created a comparison table, added in-depth reviews, and even wrote up a buying guide to show you what each mattress feature has to offer.
More features: side sleeper support; temperature regulation; gel-infused memory foam
The Helix Midnight is a hybrid mattress, combining the form-fitting comfort of memory foam with the support of coils. This mattress is also designed to increase airflow, keeping you cool all night long. Though it is medium firmness, it is still soft and comfortable for all types of sleepers.
There are five layers for this mattress. The top cover has the Helix Soft Touch Design that you’ll love to stretch out on. It is a bit loose, with some excess material, though this shouldn’t affect your sleep. The bottom base layer is made of DuraDense foam, which offers support and increases your mattress’s durability.
The three middle layers each have their benefits. The memory foam offers pressure relief, increasing comfort and reducing pain. The High-Grade Polyfoam layer gives you ergonomic support and some extra cushioning to help improve your sleep.
The coils beneath the Polyfoam layer are individually-wrapped to help reduce motion transfer and add extra support. There is even a reinforced perimeter to add some extra edge support when sitting down on the side of the bed.
This hybrid mattress is 12 inches thick, so you can use it alone on a bed frame or on top of a box spring, whichever you prefer. It is designed to combine superior comfort and great support, so you won’t wake up in pain every morning. It is perfect for side sleepers, plus is temperature regulated to keep you cool during the night.
More features: zoned transitional layer; Tencel lyocell cover tufted with 2″ gel-infused polyfoam
Though it’s a bit more expensive than some of the other mattress-in-a-box brands out there, the WinkBeds MemoryLux Mattress is made of quality materials that give you the comfort and support you need, making it well worth the cost. It also has a lifetime limited warranty, so you can swap it out for a different firmness if needed or return it if you’re unhappy with it.
This all-foam mattress has four great layers, each with its own benefits that help improve your sleep. The top layer is memory foam, which relieves pressure as you sink into it, plus it is gel-infused to help cool you down while you sleep.
The second layer is a thicker piece of memory foam, which adds to the body contouring of the top layer and is a must for side sleepers. The third transition layer is made of polyfoam, which halts the sinkage and adds support to help keep your body aligned and reduce pain. On the bottom is 4-inches of high-density polyfoam, which helps the mattress maintain its shape and adds some extra support to the above layers.
Over the foam layers is a Tencel cover, which is eco-friendly, soft against your skin, and breathable for some extra cooling at night. Though there is little edge support, this MemoryLux is still quite comfortable to sleep on. This mattress also comes in three firmness options and a variety of sizes.
More features: copper-infused memory foam; flippable firmness
The Layla Memory Foam Mattress is a 10-inch all-foam model with an interesting twist. It is actually two mattresses in one, with a firm side and a soft side. This allows you to test it out and see which one offers a better sleep before picking the one you want to use permanently.
Both the firm and soft sides include a cooling cover with Thermo-Gel cooling technology that reacts to your body temperature to keep you comfortable all night long. The only difference is the color of the material, which is white and grey on the soft side and black and grey on the firm side.
Beneath this cover is a Copper-Gel memory foam layer, which is 1 inch thick and offers support on the firm side and 3 inches of plush comfort on the soft side. Both layers also offer variable support and antimicrobial odor control to keep it smelling as fresh as the day you bought it.
In the middle of the mattress is a max airflow support layer that offers ventilation for a cool night’s sleep. A support core foam layer reduces motion transfer and increases the lifespan of the mattress by eliminating sagging. This reduced bounce also makes it a bit harder to turn over in the night, which could have a slight effect on your sleep.
This flippable mattress is great for all types of sleepers. It comes in six sizes to fit any bedroom or person.
More features: natural Dunlop latex; GOTS certified organic cotton and wool; Oeko-Tex Standard 100 and GreenGuard Gold certified; USDA Organic certified
Even though the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Organic Latex Mattress is more expensive than other latex mattresses on the market, there are a lot of great features that may make it well worth the price.
These mattresses come in a variety of sizes. You can choose 9, 10, or 12-inch thicknesses, plus pick either medium or firm, so you can get the exact mattress you need.
Unlike other mattresses available, these are made of certified organic materials, including latex, cotton, and wool. These materials are safe for the whole family and environmentally friendly, plus each one has its own benefits.
The GOTS certified organic cotton cover is breathable and absorbs moisture, so you stay cool and dry all night long. The GOTS certified organic wool also breathes naturally, which helps regulate the mattress’s temperature and prevent overheating. It even offers support for less pain during the night.
The GOLS certified organic latex gives you the perfect pressure relief and comes in different firmness levels, so you can customize your bed as you see fit. This allows you to choose the right combination of softness and support for the best sleep possible.
Other great features include the anti-microbial materials, which prevent mold and mildew, the dust mite resistance, and the lack of unsavory smells or irritants, since it contains no chemicals. It is heavy, so you may need help getting it to your bedroom and unpacking it when it arrives.
More features: five-layer construction; Tencel-poly blend cooling mattress cover
Anyone suffering from back pain or body aches will love the Nectar mattress. This model comes in six sizes to accommodate any size of room or person. It is medium-firm, so it offers the support needed to relieve any of your pain, but is soft enough to keep you comfortable all night long in any position.
This mattress is made up of five layers. Starting at the top is the quilted cooling Tencel mattress cover, which is as soft as a cloud and releases heat to reduce sweating. The gel memory foam layer beneath the cover helps distribute your weight over the mattress to reduce lumps and overheating.
The middle layer is the adaptive response transition layer, which gives you great support for pain relief and proper alignment. The base layer stabilizes all the above layers, adding a bit of extra support and extending the life of the mattress.
On the bottom is another mattress cover, which prevents the mattress from slipping and shifting on the bed frame, so you don’t need to constantly adjust its position every time you get out of bed.
Another great feature the Nectar mattress-in-a-box has to offer is the reduced motion transfer. This allows you to move in bed or get in and out of it without disturbing your partner. The only downside of this bed is the limited edge support, though this won’t affect your sleeping positions in any way.
More features: Celliant cover; open-cell design for cooling
Though the AS3 is a bit more expensive than some of the other boxed mattresses on the market, it is also Amerisleep’s best-selling model. It is 12 inches thick, with medium firmness that combines support and softness, and comes in a variety of sizes.
This mattress has three foam layers, starting with the 3-inch memory foam on top. You’ll sink into this piece, relieving pressure points and eliminating pain as it contours to your body. This memory foam also has an open cell structure that allows heat to escape instead of trapping it in the mattress.
The middle transition layer is 2 inches of polyfoam, which adds some firmness and a bit of bounce to make it easier to roll over during the night. It is also ventilated, with a convoluted design that lets air flow between the foam layers.
The base is 7 inches of high-density polyfoam, which supports the top foam layers while keeping you from sinking too far down into it. This layer adds durability for a longer-lasting mattress.
The cover of the AS3 is a blend of Celliant, polyester, and a bit of spandex for a soft, stretchy piece. All of the memory foam is plant-based Bio-Pur material that keeps you cool and is eco-friendly for a safer mattress to sleep on. This material is also more responsive than the traditional foams used in other mattresses. It holds its shape, with no sagging or soft spots.
More features: 961 individually encased coils; patented TitanFlex foam
The Brooklyn Signature Hybrid mattress combines foam and coils to make a comfortable, yet supportive piece for the best sleep possible. It comes in soft, medium, and firm, so you can pick your favorite, though some people find that they run a bit softer than some other models out there. For this reason, you may want to alter your selection when picking your mattress.
There are several sizes to choose from, so you can get a mattress for every bed in the house and even some for your RV. No matter which one you choose, they are built using quality materials.
All of these mattresses contain the same materials, no matter which one you choose. There is a layer of TitanFlex foam on top, which is infused with TitaniumGel to keep you cool and create an anti-bacterial sleeping surface. The Energex high-density support foam underneath contours to your body and supports you while you sleep.
There are 6-inch ascension coils beneath the foam, each of which is individually-encased to minimize motion transfer while helping you move easily during the night.
There is also a support foam base and a premium quilted cover to add to the comfort and durability of the mattress. There isn’t much edge support, so be careful when sitting here. The Signature Hybrid is easy to set up, with minimal off-gassing to deal with.
More features: cooling graphite-gel foam; breathable Celliant cover
The Original Bear mattress is a high-quality medium-firm mattress that is 10 inches thick and comes in several sizes to give you the perfect mattress for any bedroom in your home. The all-foam makeup and thinness isn’t the best for heavyset individuals but is great for those under 200 pounds.
This mattress contains three layers of foam that offer a variety of benefits to help you sleep better. On top is the cooling graphite-gel memory foam, which cradles your body and gets rid of any excess body heat for a cooler sleep.
In the middle is the responsive transition foam, which helps with pressure relief while giving you some balanced support to help keep your body aligned perfectly in any sleep position. The high-density foam base adds some additional support, plus increases the mattress’s durability for a long-lasting piece.
Over the foam layers is a Celliant cover, which is breathable to help keep you cool, plus it is comfortable against your skin. This mattress has an open-cell construction as well, to help improve airflow and prevent heat buildup, releasing it instead.
The Original Bear mattress has a decent price that will fit into any budget, plus can often be found on sale for an even lower cost. It contours to your body, reducing aches and pains for a more comfortable sleep and a happier morning. The edge support is a bit weak, but this will likely only be an issue when you sit on the edge of the mattress.
More features: polyester and viscose blend cover; AirFoam for pressure relief and cooling
If you prefer a thinner mattress, the Nolah Original Mattress is a great model to try out. This mattress is 10 inches thick and made of a few foam layers to give it a medium firmness. It also comes in a variety of sizes, so you can get one for every person in the house.
This model is made of durable materials that offer a wide variety of benefits. The Nolah AirFoam layer is 2 inches thick and contours to your body perfectly. It also offers amazing pressure relief while keeping you cool at the same time.
The middle layer is Deep Supportive High-Resilience Foam, which is durable and strong, lasting for years. It is also comfortable, with a bit of bounce to it to make it easier to move around in your sleep.
The high-density base foam layer is 7 inches thick and extremely durable. It is breathable to release your body heat, plus it adds an extra layer of support and contouring at the same time.
Over the foam layers is a natural viscose cover, which is quite soft and breathable, wicking moisture away from you to help cool you down and keep you dry.
Despite the benefits this bed has to offer, the thinness of the mattress may not offer the support needed for heavyset individuals. It is best for side and combination sleepers and can work on a variety of bed frames.
More features: organic cotton and New Zealand wool cover; soft base layer with 4 reinforced handles; even weight distribution due to zoned coils
Though your main focus when buying a mattress is comfort, whether or not it is eco-friendly should also be something to consider. The Awara Organic Luxury Hybrid Mattress is made of non-toxic materials that are naturally sourced, so it is safe for your family and the environment.
This hybrid mattress is made of two layers, one of memory foam and the other of individually-wrapped coils. The memory foam is Natural Dunlop latex, which is sourced from real rubber trees. This layer is 2 inches thick, with a cooling sensation and a bit of bounce to help you move easily during the night. It is also extremely durable for a longer-lasting mattress.
The wrapped pocketed coils are 9 inches high, so they support those of all weights and sizes. They help to align your spine naturally while distributing your weight evenly from your head to your toes. This layer also helps relieve those pressure points so you wake up well-rested with no pain.
The cover of this mattress is made of humanely-sourced organic New Zealand wool. This material is breathable to keep you cool, plus it absorbs moisture, wicking it away to keep your dry. It is soft, too, for some added comfort.
Of course, this mattress isn`t perfect. There is only one firmness option, so those who like softer mattresses may not like this one. It also has some motion transfer, so may not be best for light sleepers.
A good mattress is one of the most essential pieces of furniture you will ever buy. Unfortunately, mattresses are usually quite bulky and heavy so trying to drag one home and to your bed is tough to do, especially on your own. A mattress in a box takes a lot of the work out of getting a new one, making them an easy and inexpensive choice for any household.
Mattresses are large and bulky, making them difficult to transport and maneuver after you buy them. A mattress in a box is compressed and vacuum-sealed into a much smaller package. This makes it easier to get them delivered to your local post office or right to your own home. Then you can drag or carry the box to whichever room you need it for, open it up, and let it expand to its full size.
Another benefit of the mattress in a box is that they are usually pretty cheap to buy. If you’re spending less on a mattress, you’ll have more money for sheets, pillows, bed frames, or anything else you need for your bedroom or anywhere else in your home.
If you’re in the market for a new mattress in a box, there are a few features you should look for. This will ensure you have exactly what you need in a new mattress.
Mattresses can range in thickness to the ultra-thin two-inch models to over twenty inches thick. The thickness you choose depends on the type of bed frame you have and the rest of the furniture in the room. Who’s going to be sleeping on it is also something to think about. A small child can use the low profile or thin mattress types since they won’t sink in as deep as a larger person will. They will still get the support they need from a thinner piece.
Thicker mattresses have more supportive layers, plus may add a few extra layers in as well since they have some more space to fill. The heavier you are, the farther you will sink, so be sure to get one that can accommodate your weight.
The number of layers a mattress has can affect the comfort and durability. Most mattresses have some sort of supportive layer, which is the thickest layer in the whole piece. Then there are other layers of memory foam, ventilated areas, and even flame retardants. As a rule, the more layers the mattress has, the thicker it will be. The extra layers will also add to the price of the mattress, so be prepared to pay a bit more for more layering options.
There are several main types of materials used for mattresses. Coils are one option, with numerous spring coils making up the supportive layer. Newer mattresses go the extra step, using pocketed coils to give you the right base while helping reduce the motion transfer while you sleep.
Foam is the other common choice, usually in the form of memory foam. There are different types of memory foam, like the high-density foam for support and the gel-infused foam for temperature control and pressure point relief.
Though many mattresses use one or the other, some models, like the Inofia Hybrid Innerspring Double Mattress, combine these two materials to give you the best of both worlds.
There are a few things to think about when you’re choosing the firmness of your new mattress in a box. One is your personal preference, which is probably the most important thing to consider. If you want to feel like you’re sleeping on a plushy cloud, a softer mattress is best. For those with back or neck pain, you may want something a bit firmer, to keep your spine aligned and add some relief to those pressure points.
Another thing to consider is your typical sleeping position. Those who sleep on their side need a soft to medium mattress, like the Signature Sleep Flex 10″ Charcoal Gel Memory Foam Mattress, to allow their bodies to sink in and contour to the shape of your sides. Stomach and back sleepers need a mattress that will keep their bodies straight, preventing lower back issues, so a firmer mattress, like the Swiss Ortho Sleep, 12 Inch Pocket Spring Contour Mattress, is the best bet in this case.
The size of the mattress in a box you choose depends on who will be sleeping on it. A child doesn’t need a big, thick mattress, so a Twin is suitable for younger kids. These will fit on a bunk bed or a trundle bed as well, which are good sizes for little ones. As they grow up, you may want to get them a Full bed. These are also good for adults sleeping alone, giving you room to move without taking over your entire bedroom. A Queen size mattress gives couples enough space to curl up next to each other. Of course, if you like to sleep with a partner but still have plenty of room to roll around, a King size mattress offers a bit of luxury to any bedroom, if you have space in your bedroom to fit it in, of course.
The warranty of a mattress in a box is extremely important. This will cover defects in the materials or manufacturing. For instance, if your mattress doesn’t expand like it’s supposed to, there may be something wrong with it, requiring a replacement. Most of the mattresses we’ve reviewed have a ten-year warranty, all except the PlushBeds Botanical Bliss Mattress, which boasts of a 25-year warranty. This brand even offers a 100-night sleep trial, so you can test out the mattress to be sure it is the right one for you before you fully commit to it.
Though you don’t buy a mattress for the extras, they do make these products a bit more worthwhile. One thing to look at is the weight of the mattress. Even if you are getting it shipped to you, you’ll need to move it to your room and onto the bed frame. You’ll also want to rotate your mattress now and then to prevent indents from forming. The lighter the mattress is, the easier this will be to do.
You may also want to look at the cover. One that is soft and breathable will be much more comfortable to sleep on, even with fitted sheets or mattress protectors on top of it. Flame retardant materials in the mattress make them much safer to sleep on.
Certifications are also a must, to be sure your mattress isn’t made from harmful materials or chemicals that could affect you negatively over time.
When you first get your mattress, there is a particular way to open it up. This ensures it expands properly with no damage to the mattress during the process.
The best mattress in a box is a budget-friendly way to get a high-quality mattress shipped right to your door. The beds we’ve reviewed here are all great options, no matter your age, weight, or preferred sleeping positions. Let’s take a closer look at our top choices.
The Arctic Dreams 10″ Cooling Gel Mattress is made of quality materials, like the Energex gel foam, which is breathable and cooling, plus has a faster response time than other memory foams out there. It also has high-density support foam and a quilted cover with blue piping for a touch of style.
The Sleep Innovations Taylor 12-inch Cooling Gel Memory Foam Mattress is another good option. It is twelve inches thick, with a Tri-Comfort Design that includes the supportive foam base, the air channel foam for ventilation, and the top gel-infused memory foam for a cold night’s sleep.
The LUCID 10 Inch Gel Memory Foam Mattress has a simple design, with responsive open cell memory foam for its supportive layer and the ventilated gel memory foam with microscopic beads to transfer your body heat away from you. The soft, breathable cover is also a nice touch.
